Reviews of Cantina Nicola. (Restaurant) in Nelson (Nelson).

Cantina Nicola

355 Reviews

204 Comments

Restaurant

Mexican restaurant

6 Church Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand

Description

Information of Cantina Nicola, Restaurant in Nelson (Nelson)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Cantina Nicola

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of Cantina Nicola

S.

The best & the only authentic Mexican food in Nelson was extremely scrumptious, however you may have to re order your mains because of the portion size. Loved the vibe of the restaurant. Definitely looking forward for our next visit!

A.

I enjoyed every moment in this place. The food was excellent, staff friendly and helpful. I'll be back again 100%.

M.

Delicious Mexican food full of flavour and reasonably priced! The staff are fantastic and the atmosphere is always great. We love sitting at the courtyard table in the summer months. A must visit restaurant in Nelson.

C.

Absolutely shocked at the level of service we received from the blonde waitress. She blew us away with her friendly and kind disposition and was very good at recommending food and drinks that went together. ⭐️ Delightful. Five Stars! ⭐️

a.

Our first time here. We loved it. Such amazing food. Not my usual but I loved it. We will definitely be coming back

M.

Excellent food and fun atmosphere! Almost all the menu is Gluten-free as well. We tried the Burritos, guacamole, tacos, chorus, chocolate cake, classic margarita - all were super tasty, fresh and lovely!

S.

Great vibes, lovely decor, personable service and tassssssssty generous food! Definitely a highlight of our summer time treats in Nelson. Will be back for sure in the future.

C.

Unfortunately this place was underwhelming, especially for the price. I was excited to try a Mexican resturaunt in Neslon, but as others have mentioned, the owner / manager was quite rude to me multiple times when I came in to try to make a booking. Once seated though, the staff and service were great. The guacamole wasn't quite right (maybe they quit using lime because it's expensive in new Zealand) and the crisps / chips served seemed of fairly low quality. The Margarita was ok. The tacos were quite good and large, but they were $9...

S.

Amazing food and quality. Also excellent customer service and very nice and pristine place to dine in

R.

Good portions and tasty food.

A.

Very tasty food, great sangria, service a little slow however but was in no hurry.

A.

Had some pretty good food and great Sangria!

S.

Fresh and delicious ingredients combined to create tasty tacos and margaritas! I

A.

Great food and service, highly recommend. Virgin margherita very tasty

J.

Very accomodating friendly staff and amazing dinner! Highly recommend!

T.

Yea it's ok. They are a bit stuck in their ways and not very accommodating for off the menu requirements and the seating is very tight.

J.

Didn’t start well. Wasn’t even offered water. Starter and mains came out in a reasonable time but was then interested in dessert. Couldn’t attract a waitperson so took a menu from another table. Decided on what we would like but once again, couldn’t attract a waitperson. Finally tracked one down and placed our order. Didn’t arrive after around 20 mins so went to the counter. Asked when it was coming, kitchen didn’t have our order. Waited a further 10 mins. Thank goodness we didn’t have to pay for dessert. Food was reasonable but as above, service was well below par. Probably won’t go back.

l.

Excellent, fabulous, %100 recommended, delicious ceviche, perfect

P.

wonderful staff, authentic both place and food. had a burrito and nachos, yum. margaritas also delicious. recommend

S.

Food was great, but margaritas were out of this world. Definitely try a pomegranate margarita! 🇲🇽

M.

We had a lovely meal here, and as a Californian I have quite high standards for Mexican food! Margaritas were tasty and the taquitos and lamb burritos were very flavorful. The prices aren't cheap, but the flavors were on point and all the meat was seasoned and cooked very well. Service was excellent, we sat outside and I was worried we'd be forgotten about, but our server was constantly popping her head out to make sure we had what we needed and even refilled our water bottle before we finished it.

M.

Awesome dining experience, absolutely amazing host's, food was delicious. Family friendly totally recommend this place to enjoy a lovely evening

J.

Upon entry there was a nice ambiance. Candles lit etc. Our table was reserved (not a walk in) and we were lead to the table. Nice subtle music was playing and i was under the impression that there was a bar seating option as a lady was seated at the leaner/bar talking to people ( will get to this). A lovely waitress asked if we wanted some drinks and we ordered the jug of sangria (2 party so advantageous). Menus were also offered, no specials. After a short while a (different) waiter arrived to ask what we wanted to order, and we had decided on some starters. We were then told we had to order the entire order, and actually made quite a stance about it.....not used to this. we refused. Our starter was the guacamole, and it was fantastic. After that we ordered tacos, tamales, and burritos. All was fantastic....especially the fish taco!! I went to the bar to enquire on the tequila menu (being a Mexican restaurant), which there is none. We were spot pointed and told the different type of tequilas on offer which could have easily been summarized in a menu. The patron sitting at the bar drinking actually worked there and advised us on the best options.....interesting.....anyway, had 1 each of the best, paid our fare (which was fair) and went on our merry way.

S.

Son's favourite place. Nice food but could've done without the loud music, it just got to much, even to have a conversation.

P.

Overall we enjoyed what we had although both being veggie it would be good to get a bit inventive and see a bit more of a variety. We both ordered a burrito and agreed it would have been appreciated to be served with a side salad or some kinda of extra as the burrito by it's self wasn't so impressive for the price. Margaritas were yum though and friendly, attentive staff.

J.

Great Mexican with lots of flavour and a very nice restaurant layout. Here is a updated menus from the other ones in reviews.

K.

Throughly enjoyed my experience. Lovely waiter named Katie was fantastic and truly made the night

a.

Food was underwhelming. Atmosphere was nice. Good service. Fish tacos are excellent, highly recommended. Lamb, carne, pork tacos - Ingredients were all good, but together, they didn't hit the right note. For example, you don't need pineapple in a pork taco. Lamb quesadilla was ok - first time I have had a quesadilla with the salsa, gauc, and beans on the inside. Would have been better if the extras were served on the side.

S.

Great service, delicious!

S.

All round best food and people.

A.

Great food and drinks, friendly staff.

E.

Great food, friendly and consistent service absolutely amazing margaritas the pomegranate was my favourite. Clean and funky setting. And super kid friendly. My nephew loved the chicken nachos. My new favourite place in Nelson. My only criticism would be the ice cubes in the margarita's makes it a bit messy getting those last sips of the tasty tastings.

t.

The place has pretty good food. Comes out at a decent speed despite being CRAZY busy!! The staff is friendly and helpful. The environment is LOUD and tightly packed. One thing that was a bit concerning was the tall candles at each table (real flame) mixed with the tightly packed tables and proximity of each customer to another... It seemed a little dangerous.

K.

We had an amazing experience at Nicola's cantina. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was warm and the service from Nicola and her team was awesome. Thank you for a lovely night. From the Palmerston North Sublime team x

T.

1st time here and loved it. Great Margaritas and great food. The place is loud and everyone appears to have a great time. Great atmosphere, will be back again and again.

R.

On holidays in Nelson and decided to try out this place. Was delighted to be served perfectly seasoned and spiced Mexican food. The burritos are deliciously hearty and the steak tacos are so good you'll want to order 5. Excellent find.

B.

The cocktails were interesting and tasty, as were the huevos, affordable too. Disappointed with the mackarel quesadillas however, too watery and bland. The avocado mousse was also a letdown, quite hard and obviously not fresh. The girls that served us were very kind. I am a bit dispassionate about this restaurant, but if you must have Mexican food I think it is worth going to.

N.

Friendly, accommodating, service. Delicious and authentic food. Amazing every time. Fair pricing and great Margaritas!

K.

Lovely food; friendly staff. Unfortunately they had turned coffee machine off before we had finished so we couldn't have the drinks we wanted after dinner. Well priced. 'Typical' restaurant Mexican food rather than 'traditional'; good ceviche but not the best I've ever had.

X.

They service was absolutely fantastic all of the staff were super friendly and the drinks were to die for. The food was 10/10 so delicious and everything was super fresh. We booked for 22 and we got all of our drink and food so quickly it was super impressive under 40mins for 22 people is seriously fast service. They only complaint I would have is that the out door area witch is about 5 meters from the main dining room was a Smokers zone and so much tobacco kept coming in witch was so off putting to the lovely food I just wish you could make it a smoke free zone since it's soooo close to the main dining. Will definitely be coming back for more thank you so much for the lovley experience.

G.

We were so impressed with this restaurant tucked away on Church Street. The service was great and we knew we'd be in for something good when they asked if we had a reservation on a Tuesday! The food was delightful and I was happy they could offer gluten free options. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a well priced restaurant in Nelson

I.

Was told by the most senior lady staff to leave because there weren't any tables available. Had to ask if could dine outside instead because there were tables available. The younger friendly staff sat us down, turned on the heater but the senior lady came back to turn it down. Not sure if we were not welcomed by her, but we were served well by the other staff. Quick service and decent food.

R.

The place is cute and the menu appealing, but the food is definitely Kiwi-Mex fusion, not authentic Mexican. That said, it was very tasty and we enjoyed our lunch. This place is very busy and popular, which shows that Nelson is ready for more Mexican restaurants! If someone would come and open an authentic one, it could be a very successful.

R.

A bit slow to start with our nachos but the rest of the meal was on song. Very busy, but plenty of attentive staff. We always visit when we are down from Wellington and are seldom disappointed. Love the fajitas.

B.

Great atmosphere! Chicken Nachos and Sangria Jugs are the best.

A.

We had a pork burrito and prawn quesadilla for lunch. Both were delicious. The chips and salsas were unique and tasty. The staff was chatty, friendly. A new waiter made a mistake with our order but the restaurant properly handled. Their horchata was odd, tasting like a coconut milkshake. Spicy margrita was good. Would definitely return.

C.

Stunning Mexican food in a beautiful restaurant. Kitchen easily able to adapt to my friends's vegetarian and dairy free diets, and it's wonderful to look in to the kitchen and see your food being made. Great staff too!

S.

Awesome place great food. We came in with no reservation and they managed to fit us in with a fully booked place with no hassle or hurrying. They serve spicy popcorn before you eat which was different and very good

M.

My taste buds have been craving authentic Mexican since arriving in New Zealand 8 months ago, this is probably as close as you will get here in NZ. Good service, nice decor and great ambience.

R.

My partner and I were unfortunately in too much of a hurry to sit down for the experience but I had the pork burrito and she had the vegetarian quesadilla - both were fantastic! Will definitely be coming back.

J.

I love this place! The ceviche is to die for. And the avocado chocolate mousse sounds weird but is superb. I'll be back!

T.

A beautiful and unique eatery in the heart of Nelson, enjoy the atmosphere and the yummy food while taking in the amazing decor and fantastic hospitality. Bonus point: They also have options for gluten free eaters!

J.

I love this place! The cerviche is to die for. And so is the avocado chocate mousse. The margheritas taste great. Next time I'm in Nelson I will be going again.

S.

Great place to eat. Food is fresh and authentic. Come here for real Mexican food. Good Margaretta's here too. Would eat and drink here every day if I could

J.

Great place. Staff super friendly. great with gf options and explained well. Love the food.

D.

Our favorite place to eat out, always friendly staff and the best mexican dining this side of Guadalajara 🇲🇽

N.

Amazing food, great service and friendly staff and one of the best places to eat, we will definitely come back, don't forget to find your taro Nicola 😉

R.

Finally managed to get here for lunch after prompting from friends and was very impressed. Terrific service and very tasty selection for lunch. Nice atmosphere inside as well.

B.

Great place, great service, friendly staff, Nicola is just wonderful and of course the best Tacos ever! Must eat there when you are in Nelson.

R.

Delicious food here and super friendly staff. Was reasonably priced to have two tacos and was delighted with the mix of flavours in each.

k.

yummy food. service was good. busy wee place. unfortunately we had to move from our table after 1.5 hours as they had another booking. was a bit annoying as we where not finished.

K.

Great Margaritas!! The raspberry one was delicious! Food was ok, the burritos lacked some flavour but the pork taco was delicious!

A.

It's Okay, food a bit on the carby/stodgy side, the quinoa salad used to be amazing but it was unexseptiona just tine we ate there. Very good atmosphere tho.

M.

Such a cool atmosphere and food is always great and well worth the money. Margaritas and sangria are delicious!

J.

amazing food and price really loved the options they had and really enjoyed the service and resturant vibes.

F.

The food was very nice .The service was good. It was busy and abit crowded. The tables were too close to each other.Will definitely go again.

C.

One of Nelson's best restaurants. The staff are always friendly, the food has so much flavour and is really well priced.

S.

Vegetarian burrito was delicious. Great portion size. Will make this place a regular place to eat. Highly recommend.

G.

Fantastic place! Every time I’m in Nelson I MUST visit. Never disappointed. Friendly staff, FAST service and delicious food.

J.

Nice food and generally good service. But the ran out of the dishes we wanted at 6.30pm. Would recommend.

C.

Beautiful meals, great service!! Everything was so fresh and tasty! Definitely will be back next time in Nelson.

P.

So good. Quick service and kai was amazing.

t.

Very good food. Very lovely people. Would definately recommend if your hungry

F.

Really excellent Mexican food - delicious flavours, great atmosphere, friendly staff. We'll be back!

M.

Very nice venue but service very poor. Waiting staff not attending to all at big tables. We only had drinks and was not offered a menu.

m.

my favourite shop

J.

Should have stayed and sampled the margaritas.

J.

Fantastic food, fantastic margaritas, fantastic service! Will definitely return.....again and again and again.......

J.

Great food and service. Very cozy with a super atmosphere

A.

Really good food and friendly staff. Recommended if you're into Mexican food.

N.

Fantastic best tacos ever!

I.

Great staff, really friendly and helpful, food is AMAZING! Atmosphere is light, airy and welcoming. Really enjoyed it here.

K.

Best Mexican placed I have been so far in NZ. Excellent staff as well. Would definitely go back again. :)

M.

Amazing food, great service and great atmosphere!

R.

This is one loudy restaurant... being famous could be the price.. food was above par.. being a Vegetarian was a boon.. as food was delicious and fresh. Will definitely go back..

B.

Food is fantastic, great wait staff. Owner needs to lighten up and not push diners through

G.

One of the best experiences I've had in any restaurant. Lively atmosphere, coupled with amazing food.

C.

Lovely Mexican food, wonderful staff who understand the food they are serving

p.

Very nice food and excellent margaritas. Friendly atmosphere

F.

Delicious food. High chair available. Took a while to get our order in but food came swiftly after.

H.

Booked for 6pm. Service felt a bit rushed as the table was rebooked for 7.30pm and not told this when I made the booking. Good good.

K.

Very cool place to go and the food is great really like the non-alcoholic margaritas

J.

Great margaritas. Awesome tacos. Lovely service .

A.

Lovely place, great atmosphere, fantastic food....the little popcorn appetizer with the margaritas was a hit. Thank you

S.

No idea how to make a meal low carb. And when requested an easy alteration from the menu was declined.

H.

Very nice food great staff 1st time there so did not know what to expect. Will go back again.

D.

Nice atmosphere, delicious food and a really good service.

J.

Really good selection of delicious food. The owner is unique character.

R.

Great food, quick service, friendly staff and a whole section on the menu for margaritas.

C.

Staff gorgeous and helpful. Drinks delicious. Food fabulous. Atmosphere fin and authentic.

A.

Gorgeous food 😍

F.

Amazing food had the Taco couldn't ask for nicer Also amazing atmosphere with the music and decorations

Y.

Nice food. Great atmosphere.

B.

Nice ambience, authentic cooking. They even have Mexican dress ups to get you in the mood!

S.

Absolutely delicious food and drinks a real taste of amazing mexican food! Highly recommended!

A.

Great food ,awesome staff ,fun times

M.

Beautiful setting, food was amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed the meal there

M.

Slow service and the food was average. The drinks looked good though.

J.

Lovely atmosphere. Daughters birthday party well catered for. Hard to hear conversation though

J.

Really nice Mexican, with reasonable prices. A nice cosy restaurant that won't break the bank.

M.

Nice Mexican food. Great cocktails.

J.

By the time I remembered to take a photo of my delicious pork burrito... it had disappeared from my plate. 10/10

S.

Fabulous meal. Excellent value and great service

D.

Best restaurant in Nelson, possibly the south island. I highly recommend it.

S.

Delicious food and lovely staff. Will definitely be back again

R.

Very good food, be sure to book as it can get very busy!

E.

Excellent food, good service and friendly helpful staff

C.

Fantastic food & wait staff. Love the decor!

l.

Food is amazing!! N I'm a chef perfect margaritas too

K.

Best mexican I've had in NZ.

M.

Love this place. The horchata is delicious, the food is so yummy and filling. Highly recommended.

A.

Definitely a highly sought after restaurant in Nelson. Delicious Mexican food. Must try if going to Nelson.

F.

Excellent wee place very nicely decorated and amazing food, also was ready very fast

K.

Food is excellent in quantity and quality.

O.

Amazing food! Definitely worth a visit when in Nelson.

K.

Awesome food and cocktails. Would definitely go again

A.

My order ended up perfect. Very yum!

C.

Amazing the closest you can get to authentic Mexican food

R.

Friendly staff, meal suggestions were spot on. If I lived in the area would go again 10/10

S.

Absolutely amazing food, another good reason to move here!

J.

Super service, and great prices

G.

Great location. Spoilt for choice so many scrummy things to eat.

t.

Food was super tasty and fresh. Service was fast and efficient

C.

Wonderful staff, amazing food.

t.

Very yummy food. So glad I went here.

A.

Nice food and service.

Y.

Enjoyable meal. Able to have a smaller meal that was very tasty

T.

Best Mexican I’ve had in NZ.

L.

Full of atmosphere, excellent food and friendly hosts.

G.

Delicious burritos and quesadillas!!! Add some sangria and your night will be perfect

B.

Great margaritas awesome food and a great ambiance

R.

Awesome food, definitely worth a visit

G.

Very friendly, personable staff and tasty food.

C.

Leon is waiter

F.

Great food and funky atmosphere

M.

Excellent, authentic Mexican with great atmosphere!!

S.

Best Mexican food I've had in NZ!!!

R.

Very good service food is delicious

C.

Great staff and the best food.

M.

Excellent food, great night out

E.

Delicious food, drinks and incredible hospitality

R.

Very generous portion of delicious fajitas.

H.

Def try the fish taco 🌮

M.

The tamales are the best, good attention, very nice

D.

Awesome and makes yummy Vegetarian meals

L.

Authentic, fresh, scrumptious fare

L.

Nice atmosphere. Food lacking in flavour

C.

Great meals and value for money.

G.

Good food.... great service...

L.

Awesome food and lovely staff

d.

Margaritas to die for, consistently tasty fresh food

S.

Great venue, super food.

A.

Good meals good chef great vibe

L.

Yummy food and friendly staff😁

V.

Girls night out with Steal Tacos & Sangria. What's not to like!

R.

Excellent Mexican, relaxed atmosphere

M.

Authentic Mexican food in fun environment!

P.

Amazing Mexican food

R.

Always have an amazing time here.

N.

Enjoyable setting. Reasonable food.

P.

Could do with a bit more flavour

K.

Try the quesadilas, they r to die for!!!

L.

Food good service great

j.

Very busy but great

d.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmexican delicious couldnt be better!

N.

So good!

A.

Tasted good but very expensive

L.

The margaritas are divine!

a.

Excellent food and surroundings

J.

Pretty good mexican.

R.

Beautiful dinner out

A.

Lovely

D.

Great service and meals

L.

Had an excellent meal

A.

Wonderful food as always

D.

Great atmosphere!

M.

Best eats in Nelson!

V.

Nice Mexican food

G.

Absolutely delicious

J.

Absolutley amazing

D.

Top notch food and drinks

L.

Amazing food!!!!

N.

Good

A.

Delicious

M.

Awesome food

N.

Good

A.

Delicious

L.

Amazing food!!!!

J.

(Translated) The store is good, everyone is friendly and it tastes good. But I was not satisfied. Don't ask for huge portions. (Original) Der Laden ist gut, alle sind freundlich und es schmeckt. Satt geworden bin ich aber nicht. Ask nicht so riesige Portionen.

H.

(Translated) Good Mexicane restaurant. The dishes are good and made very quickly. Nice, friendly staff. Prices ok. I will definitely visit the restaurant again (Original) Gutes Mexicane Restaurant. Die Speisen sind gut und sehr schnell gemacht. Nettes, freundliches Personal. Preise ok. Ich werde das Restaurant sicher wieder besuchen

G.

(Translated) A Mexican delight !!! We had come for the burritos and we were not disappointed. Except the price a little high about $ 18. But very very good! (Original) Un délice mexicain !!! On était venus pour les burritos et on a pas été déçu. Hormis le prix un peu élevé environ 18$. Mais très très bon !

V.

(Translated) Good Mexican restaurant. Thank you for the service and the quality of your products. (Original) Bon restaurant mexicain. Merci pour le service et la qualité de vos produits.

K.

K.

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